Method of Study Sociology 100-61

SY100-61

Spring 2019

Discussion Postings #2

Due Date: 3/21/2019 @ 8:00 PM

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the basic theories and methods of sociology; I

would like for us to use this discussion postings in a way that allows us to begin applying these

concepts and interact a bit.

Step One Postings:

In this posting I would like for each of you to briefly describe a research topic related to

sociology that you think would make an interesting study. In describing your study, you should

indicate: a) which one of the three perspectives you would use, and b) some kind of cause and

effect relationship between a specific Independent and Dependent variable.

Here is an example from a real study that I am currently starting to set up.

I have an interest in studying adolescent delinquency using the symbolic interaction perspective.

Specifically, I would like to know more about the learning process that kids go through between

8th grade and 12th grade in relation to substance use. I think it would be very interesting if this

study would examine the effect of the school environment (independent variable) on illegal

substance use (dependent variable). Specifically, I would like to see if parties at different

schools have mixed-age attendance (both high school and junior high) and if the high school

students allow or encouraged participation in alcohol consumption of younger students.

Step Two Responses:

After you have posted your own study proposal, then respond to at least one other posting. In

your reply: a) check to verify that the original post is using Independent and Dependent

Correctly, b) suggest one appropriate method of data collection from the four main research

designs, and c) suggest at least one control variable that the study would want to factor into the

study.

For the example above the reply could read: That is a very interesting study. The Independent

and Dependent variables are correct. One way that a researcher could study this topic would be

to use a survey and ask both Junior and Senior high school students about parties at their school.

One factor that you may need to control for is if the school has both high school and middle

school in the same building or not. This could also bring both age groups in contact with each

other as well.